INTERVIEW: Razia travels a long ‘Road’ to Madagascar
Photo: Razia’s new album is called The Road, and it is her most personal recording yet. Photo courtesy of Jonathan Gasse / Provided by Cindy Byram PR with permission.
A couple years ago, Razia Said, an accomplished singer, returned to her home country of Madagascar and was so inspired by the visit that she produced an album, which was recently released under the name The Road. She left the northeast section of the country when she was only 11 years old, seeking to travel the world and spread her musicianship to many listeners, but an emotional hook pulled her back to her roots.
On The Road, Razia blends traditional Malagasy sounds, including jazz and pop influences. Topically, the lyrics in Razia’s career have covered a wide swath of subjects, including the environment and challenges in a post-colonial society. The Road focuses more on her personal journey, including the story of her grandmother, who fell ill in 2016, which prompted the singer to return home.
While visiting with her grandmother in Antalaha, Razia assembled a band that consisted of drummer Harvey Wirht and guitarist Raledey. Their collaboration resulted in acoustic-sounding songs that are much deeper and stripped down compared to Razia’s previous efforts on the albums Zebu Nation and Akory.
Songs on the new album speak about Razia’s upbringing and move away from Madagascar. The song titles include “Mbola Velogno (I’m Still Alive),” “Filongoa (Friendship)” and “Ayo (The Longing).” “Nave (Here We Come)” was actually recorded live in Antalaha, and the authenticity of the track emanates for the listener.
Recently, Razia exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox about her new album. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from The Road album?
This — what I believe — is the best album I have written and produced — much more personal songs in a very minimalistic musical set up, which allows my emotions to flow freely.
How did your home country of Madagascar inspire the album?
The album is dedicated to my grandmother, Tombozandry, who raised me in Madagascar and who passed away last year; she is my inspiration for this album. During the time I wrote these songs, I was close to her in my hometown of Antalaha, which brought back so many memories from my childhood and ultimately a lot of emotions.
How would you define the sound of the album?
This album has an authentic live sound — very acoustic and organic.
Would you consider this your most personal album to date?
Yes, definitely.
What was it like to record with this band?
It was a great experience. We really recorded first with just three of us in Antalaha (Madagascar): guitars with Raledey, cajón with Harvey Wirht (who is also the producer of the album) and myself on scratch vocals. That was the most challenging and fun part of the recording.
We recorded for three solid intense weeks; then we added other musicians to the tracks through our travels back to the States; first in Paris with Francois Michaud on viola, then in Baltimore where we recorded Harvey Wirht on drums and Micheal Bowie on bass; the final lead vocals were mostly recorded in my home in Harlem. So altogether it was really nice to do it that way. It’s also the reason why it took two years to make! But I always enjoy this casual, organic way of putting an album together.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Razia’s new album is called The Road, and it is now available on Razia Music. Click here for more information.
